Lexical Summary neshiqah: Kiss Original Word: נְשִׁיקָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance kiss From nashaq; a kiss -- kiss. see HEBREW nashaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nashaq Definition a kiss NASB Translation kisses (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נְשִׁיקָה] noun feminine kiss; — only plural construct: יִשָּׁקֵנִי מִנְּשִׁיקוֺת מִּיהוּ Songs 1:2; נְשִׁיקוֺת שׂוֺנֵא Proverbs 27:6 kisses of an enemy. Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence נְשִׁיקָה (neshiqah) denotes the physical act of a kiss, yet in Scripture it functions as a richly layered symbol of covenant affection, devotion, intimacy, and—in negative contexts—falsehood. Though the form appears only twice in the Old Testament, its theology is illuminated by the broader biblical motif of kissing, which spans family affection (Genesis 27:26–27), covenant loyalty (1 Samuel 20:41), reverence toward rulers (Psalm 2:12), and corporate fellowship (Romans 16:16). Occurrences and Contexts 1. Song of Songs 1:2 opens the poem of marital love with the plea, “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine”. Here נְשִׁיקָה conveys marital and covenant intimacy, sanctifying wedded affection as a gift from God and foreshadowing the covenant love between Christ and His Church. Cultural Background In the ancient Near East, the kiss served multiple social functions: Because Hebrew culture tethered physical symbols to spiritual realities, a kiss could either affirm covenant faithfulness or expose covenant treachery. Theology of the Kiss 1. Covenant Affirmation: A true kiss seals loyalty, echoing God’s steadfast love. In Song of Songs, it is a physical affirmation of an exclusive, lifelong union reflecting divine faithfulness. Ministry Applications • Pastoral Counseling: Proverbs 27:6 encourages frank, loving correction over superficial affirmation. Spiritual leaders are summoned to wound in love rather than flatter unto harm. Christological and Eschatological Dimensions The imagery of the kiss finds ultimate meaning in Christ. His Incarnation embodies God’s nearness; His betrayal kiss reveals sin’s hypocrisy; His welcome of repentant sinners (Luke 15:20) showcases grace. Eschatologically, the Church awaits the full experience of divine affection when the Bridegroom returns, consummating the covenant suggested by Song of Songs. Practical Implications for Worship and Fellowship 1. Integrity: Let every outward gesture in Christian community be matched by inward truth. Thus, נְשִׁיקָה traces a line from human affection to divine covenant, challenging believers to align lips and lives in faithful devotion to God and one another. Forms and Transliterations מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת מנשיקות נְשִׁיק֥וֹת נשיקות min·nə·šî·qō·wṯ minneshiKot minnəšîqōwṯ nə·šî·qō·wṯ neshiKot nəšîqōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 27:6 HEB: אוֹהֵ֑ב וְ֝נַעְתָּר֗וֹת נְשִׁיק֥וֹת שׂוֹנֵֽא׃ NAS: But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. KJV: of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy INT: of a friend deceitful are the kisses of an enemy Songs 1:2 2 Occurrences |
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